You've got to hand it to him. Jon Bibbs is an ambitious guy. The gifted singer and former Hampton University student is launching a tour that salutes greats of soul music: Sam Cooke, James Brown, Ray Charles and Marvin Gaye.

“These men are larger than life figures who have made massive contributions to what once was the most influential musical genre in the world,” said Bibbs, as quoted in a release from his website. “I’m excited about this series of shows and the opportunity to highlight some of the amazing work these men gave to the world.”

The tour begins Aug. 24 at the 80/20 Burger Bar in Norfolk with a show that honors the music of Sam Cooke. It will continue with various East Coast dates through January 2014.

Internationally lauded recording artist, Jon Bibbs, is presenting a series of performances honoring some of the great male vocalists of the 20th century who created what we now recognize as soul music. The concert series, which will feature shows highlighting the music of Sam Cooke, James Brown, Ray Charles and Marvin Gaye, is slated for stops throughout the east coast through January of 2014.

“These men are larger than life figures who have made massive contributions to what once was the most influential musical genre in the world,” says Bibbs. “I’m excited about this series of shows and the opportunity to highlight some of the amazing work these men gave to the world.”

There aren’t many singers in indie circles who are better equipped to present a performance series of this kind. Jon Bibbs, a former Hampton University history student, has long been one of the most respected voices of soul music in Virginia. For years he’s played stages throughout the country alongside some of the biggest names in the music world today. (Just this past February, Jon was the opening act for Grammy Award winner, Miguel in Phoenix, AZ.) Bibbs’ recordings have turned heads throughout the world as well. Last summer, his latest studio project “Ode to Old Flames,” enjoyed a week on both the iTunes and Amazon top 20 R&B charts.

“What I plan to put forward are shows designed to appeal to music lovers of all ages, cultural backgrounds and levels of music appreciation,” Jon says. “I want these performances to be nights of music that bring folks together across all kinds of lines to celebrate and appreciate some great American music.”

The Iconic Men of Soul series will launch in Norfolk, VA on August 24th with a concert highlighting the life and music of Sam Cooke at 80/20 Burger Bar in the Ghent neighborhood. Doors will open at 9:30 pm and the show will start at 10. Admission is $7.00.